Can I have any laser treatment on my face if I have any screws/wires/plates in my face?

Question

I had ortho surgery 9 years ago and am looking to get Skin tightening procedure. Thanks for any advise. I really want to treat the jaw area.

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

In general, skin resurfacing treatments like lasers or peels should be safe for patients with hardware in the underlying facial bones, but this depends on the type of treatment that is being performed. I would probably avoid focused ultrasound or radiofrequency treatments in those areas (although I don't usually recommend those anyway due to lack of efficacy in many cases). Something like a fractional CO2 or Erbium:YAG laser is probably safe, but be sure to check with your doctor. This is not something that I would trust to a novice. Be sure to see a doctor who specializes in facial aesthetic procedures.All the best,

David Azouz, MD, FACS, FRCS(C) · Answer

Having laser treatments with hardware is generally safe because the vast majority of laser treatment do not involve penetrating lower than the dermal layer.

Laura Riehm, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  We actually had a patient like you in our office this month with a jaw implant requesting skin tightening along the jaw line.  For her, we felt like the most appropriate treatment was a series of bulk radio frequency heating skin treatment called Pelleve.  It is completely non-invasive and works by gently heating the treatment are to the target temperature for 4-5 minutes.  The heat causes some of the existing collagen to collapse, stimulating your body's response to produce more collagen.  New collagen production takes 60-120 to ramp up, but will last another 10-15 years.Getting back to you, bulk heating should not be problem and won't cause any damage.  Worst case would be the heat temporarily transfers to the metal and it becomes uncomfortable.  If you can tolerate treating the area, continue.  Otherwise, ask the technician to move on to another spot or discontinue the treatment.  You really won't know until try, but I can't see it causing any damage.  Our patient was able to complete the treatment without any discomfort.  I hope this helps.

Can I have any laser treatment on my face if I have any screws/wires/plates in my face?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Tightening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can I have any laser treatment on my face if I have any screws/wires/plates in my face?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Skin Tightening

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.